Fashion will always be obsessed with workwear, there's no getting away from it. Whether it be carpenter pants, Timberland boots, or denim jeans the classic shapes worn by workers have proven that they can stand the test of time and form the backbone of a wardrobe. One such item that has proven this is the chore coat.
Walking into any vintage store across Europe, you will normally be faced with the obligatory rail of blue-colored French chore coats, and they are the style that started it all. Dubbed bleu de travail (or "worker’s blues" for those who aren't fluent in French) those indigo-hued jackets were soon joined by a distant relative across the pond as Carhartt started creating its now-iconic Detroit and Michigan jackets.
Despite its workwear origins, the practical design with deep pockets and rugged materials has centuries later not only found itself as a contemporary wardrobe staple but also as one which you'll often find dressed up.
Sure, you can wear your chore coat with a pair of matching workwear pants or jeans, but what makes this style so special is its versatility. If you want to throw a more minimal chore coat over a crisp white shirt for a nice dinner, nobody will bat an eyelid.
From workwear staples to Bode's luxury designs, here's an A to Z of the best chore coats on the market right now.
Keep scrolling to find our favorite chore coats.
Karu Research Embroidered Cotton Chore Jacket
The pattern on this lightweight chore coat has been carefully embroidered by Indian artisans as part of Karu Research's efforts to keep centuries-old techniques alive.
Carhartt WIP Nash Jacket Blue Rinsed
This list wouldn't be complete without a jacket courtesy of Carhartt WIP. For this design, the brand's Nash Jacket is decked out in denim and decorated with a heart-shaped graphic inspired by one of its archive logos.
Stüssy Spotted Bleach Chore Jacket
Made to look as though it has already been worked in, this jacket from Stüssy comes with blotches of light-colored bleach all over. Streetwear labels have long been a solid source of elevated workwear and Stüssy is one of the OGs.
Our Legacy Haven Jacket
As we've come to expect from everything that Our Legacy creates, this wool jacket is crafted from high-end fabrics elevated through subtle details. This workwear style is made from soft, fuzzy Italian wool blend fabric and features mother-of-pearl buttons.
Loewe Leather-Trimmed Chore Jacket
Easily the most colorful outerwear option of all the ones selected here, Loewe's leather-trimmed chore jacket is decorated with a spotty pink all-over motif.
Bode Reversible Duo Waffle Jacket
Making it two statement jackets in one, this fully reversible jacket provides the option of being either mostly white or mostly brown. The jacket's waffle construction is inspired by a midcentury blanket, a typically retro source of inspiration for Bode.
Highsnobiety Cotton Drill Chore Jacket
Designed by our very own in-house label, our organic cotton chore jacket uses a drill fabric which is especially hard-wearing thanks to its twill weave. Pair this boxy jacket with the matching baggy pants and you have a readymade, minimal spring outfit to dress up or down.
Dries Van Noten Vonac Bis Jacket
If there's one thing you can rely on Dries Van Noten for, it's experimental prints. This jacket comes embellished with an almost psychedelic green and white pattern along with adjustable straps at the chest and sleeves.
Stockholm Surfboard Club Canvas Coach Jacket
You might not associate Stockholm with surfing, but the Swedish capital's rapidly growing surf scene is being put on the map thanks in large part to this label run by two Acne Studios alumni. Stockholm Surfboard Club's washed-out jacket is crafted from a lightweight cotton canvas for the warmer months of the year.
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